North Dakota jury awards $660 million to Energy Transfer
A North Dakota jury has ruled that Greenpeace is liable for defamation and conspiracy related to its protests against the Dakota Access pipeline. The jury awarded Energy Transfer LP $660 million in damages. Legal experts say this decision may discourage other environmental groups from protesting oil and gas companies in the future. The verdict is being called unprecedented. Some legal scholars believe the large damages may inspire more companies to take similar legal actions against protesters. Greenpeace plans to appeal the ruling, stating that the case is not over. They have also filed a countersuit against Energy Transfer in the Netherlands. Energy Transfer claimed that Greenpeace's actions harmed their business and reputation, costing them millions. The case has been labeled as a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP), which is often used by businesses to silence activists. North Dakota does not have strong protections against such lawsuits, making it easier for Energy Transfer to take action against Greenpeace. Protests against the Dakota Access pipeline began in 2016, led by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. The protests initially led to a halt of the project under President Obama's administration, but were later reversed by President Trump. In response to these protests, North Dakota has passed laws increasing penalties for civil disobedience targeting oil and gas infrastructure. Other states have followed suit, creating harsher penalties for energy protestors.